Occupational English Test
The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language proficiency exam designed for healthcare professionals who need to prove their English skills for work or study abroad. It is taken by doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and other allied health workers who plan to register and practise in countries where…
Occupational English Test exam pattern
The OET exam has 4 sub-tests: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The total test duration is around 3 hours. Listening and Reading are common for all 12 healthcare professions. Writing and Speaking are profession-specific.
- Listening: 50 minutes. Common for all professions. Score range is 0-500 (Grade A-E). Tests healthcare consultations, monologues, and lectures.
- Reading: 60 minutes. Common for all professions. Score range is 0-500 (Grade A-E). Tests healthcare texts, articles, and guidelines.
- Writing: 45 minutes. Profession-specific. Score range is 0-500 (Grade A-E). You write 1 letter (referral, discharge, or transfer) based on case notes.
- Speaking: 20 minutes. Profession-specific. Score range is 0-500 (Grade A-E). You do 2 role-plays as a healthcare professional with a patient.
There is no negative marking in the OET. Always attempt every question, even if you have to guess. There is no penalty for a wrong answer.
OET does not give an overall score. Each sub-test is scored and reported separately.
Confused about which colleges take this score?
A counsellor can go through the accepting list with you — fees, cut-offs and what is still open this cycle.
